Director: John Polson

Writer: Ari Schlossberg

Starring: Robert De Niro, Dakota Fanning, Famke Janssen, Elisabeth Shue, Amy Irving, Dylan Baker, Melissa Leo. Robert John Burke

Story David Callaway (De Niro) and his daughter Emily (Fanning) move to a quieter town after his wife’s (Irving) suicide. Emily witnesses the body being found and his in shock. Emily way to find an escape from what happened creates an imaginary friend Called Charlie.

David tries to move on with his life meeting all the different locals Elizabeth (Shue) Sheriff Hafferty (Baker), Laura (Leo) as well as keeping updates on Emily to Katherine (Janssen) back in the city.

Things take a turn for the worse when Charlie starts making things happen while David is sleeping. David thinks Emily is just reacting to her mother death but could there be a more surprising truth?

Verdict This horror thriller has a big name cast and it backs that up with some good jumps and a great tension story that will keep you guessing right up to the end. Even if you didn’t like the end the DVD offers a few alternative endings. The atmosphere created is very effective and De Niro as the concerned father comes of well after being used to his other roles through out the years.  As for horror thrillers this is a good addition to the recent collections and well worth a watch for all fans of the genre. 

Story Mark 8/10 Strong story with twists and surprise ending

Action Mark 7/10 nice fight and chase scenes

Horror Mark 8/10 good jump scenes and Charlie figure is effective

Star Performances Dakota Fanning as the traumatised daughter with a secret.

Best Part The surprise ending

Worst Part They should have picked one ending and stuck with it instead of so many different ones.

My Rating 76%